By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party Presidential Candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has called on leaders of the Bagungu and Alur communities living along Lake Albert to urgently engage and agree on proper community-led fish conservation measures that will guide government on the possible withdrawal of the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) from the lake.
Museveni said lakes across the country—Lake Albert included—had been invaded by overcrowded fishing activities and widespread use of illegal methods, almost leading to the extinction of fish species until the UPDF’s Fisheries Protection Unit was deployed to restore order.
Speaking during the NRM presidential campaign rally at Buliisa Town Council Grounds, Museveni emphasized that the traditional fishing families should take ownership of conservation efforts once a locally accepted system is put in place. He assured residents that once the communities agree on proper management, the army would withdraw from daily supervision and only remain to guard against foreign intruders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other neighboring areas.
Museveni explained that fish stocks on Lake Albert had drastically declined due to bad fishing practices, but had since recovered following NRM government interventions. He pledged to extend similar conservation-focused strategies to other sub-regions including Busoga, Teso, Lango, Acholi, and Bunyoro.
Museveni also outlined government plans to invest proceeds from Uganda’s oil into a sovereign wealth fund, ensuring long-term profitability even after the oil deposits are depleted. He said the NRM government has developed a sustainable investment strategy focused on roads, electricity, railways, and other core infrastructure, adding that oil revenues would be strictly directed toward wealth-creation enablers, not consumables.
During the rally, Museveni ordered the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit to immediately return all boats, engines, motorcycles and other fishing gear that had been confiscated from fishermen. This followed complaints raised by several Lake Albert fishing communities.
He directed Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division, to oversee the immediate implementation of the directive.
Museveni pledged to instruct the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to take action against the Balalo cattle keepers accused of invading villages in Buliisa District. He also emphasized the importance of the peace and security that the NRM government restored, noting that residents had been protected from aggressors crossing from the DRC.
Museveni promised a ferry at Butyaba landing site to boost water transport on Lake Albert, and a special fund to support fishing communities in Buliisa. He also approved a request for the creation of an additional constituency in the district.
He highlighted visible socioeconomic progress in Buliisa—such as improvements in education, health, and infrastructure—as evidence of the NRM government’s achievements and justification for his re-election, along with the election of all NRM flag bearers.
Museveni also warned of a looming ecological disaster on Lake Albert if the catching of juvenile fish continues.
The NRM presidential candidate outlined wealth-creation strategies for Buliisa residents including the four-acre model, improved commercial enterprise selection, and sustainable land use for both small- and large-scale landowners. He encouraged locals to embrace employment opportunities in oil support services, commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and the wider services sector.
NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among highlighted major developments in Buliisa, including oil-sector job opportunities, the government’s allocation of Shs 12.9 billion for a ferry to enhance water transport, and the expansion of piped-water systems.
NRM Western Region Vice Chairperson Jornad Asiimwe praised the ongoing knowledge-exchange programs between oil companies and local communities, saying these have boosted skills development and job readiness.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja provided updates on the relocation of flood-affected families and other ongoing social development programs in the district.
The Buliisa District NRM Chairperson Allan Atugonza presented the district’s memorandum to the NRM presidential candidate.
